Application Process
Entry Requirements:
The admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Digital Games program are as follows:
- Completed university degree* (at least Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, 210 ECTS; see note below for applicants with 180 ECTS**) in Digital Games or a closely related field such as Game Arts, Game Design, or Game Programming. Equivalent degrees must demonstrate substantial project-based coursework leading to playable game prototypes, as well as academic training in Media and Game Studies;
- proof of special study-related suitability for the M.A. Digital Games degree program (aptitude test during the application phase);
- proof of a command of the English language equivalent to the level B2. During the course of the application phase, the admission board tests the applicant’s English language skills. Therefore, an additional official certificate, e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, can but does not have to be provided. Knowledge of the German language is not required.
* In exceptional cases, applicants may be admitted to the program without submitting the final degree certificate, provided that completion of the degree by the start of studies at CGL can reasonably be expected. The required documentation must be submitted within six months after enrollment.
** Successful applicants from B.A. programs with only 180 ECTS are required to make up for the missing credit points during the course of their studies in the M.A. Digital Games. Individual study agreements are defined at the beginning of the program in consultation with the student. These agreements may include the completion of selected modules from the Bachelor’s degree program Digital Games, as well as the recognition of academic achievements from other degree programs beyond the already completed and accepted Bachelor’s degree. In addition, internships or relevant professional experience may be recognized, provided they are comparable in scope and content to the Exchange & Practice module of the Bachelor’s degree program Digital Games.
The examination board is responsible for approving these individual study agreements and for deciding on the recognition of prior academic achievements, internships, or professional activities.
Goal of the Application Process:
The selection process assesses applicants’ suitability for the Master’s program based on a combined evaluation of practical experience, academic competence, personal motivation, and English-language proficiency. All criteria are considered together to determine readiness for advanced creative and theoretical work in the field of digital games.
Application Steps:
The application procedure consists of three stages:
- Step 1 (international applicants only): Validation of the first higher education degree by Uni-Assist. (s. further information below)
- Step 2 (all applicants): Application for the program / artistic-scientific aptitude test, which consists of the following elements: the submission of all necessary application documents (degree documents, CV, portfolio and application tasks).
- Step 3 (invited applicants): Online interview for applicants who convinced the admission board with their application documents (individual invitation).
Application Timeline:
The M.A. Digital Games admits new students every winter semester. Based on this start date, the application timeline looks as follows each year:
- Publication application tasks: March 1 (except in the case of holidays)
- Application deadline (to Uni-Assist and CGL): March 31 (except in the case of holidays)
- Interviews: Late May / early June
- Announcement application results: late June
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS WITH NON-GERMAN DIPLOMAS
Please be aware that CGL does not check the formal validity of your documents. International applicants have to submit their documents to the validation agency Uni-Assist parallel to the CGL application procedure. The deadline for Uni-Assist submissions is also March 31.
We would generally recommend you to prepare and submit your Uni-Assist materials early on. The evaluation process by Uni-Assist can take up to four weeks during peak times even longer. Your final admission, however, depends on the result of the evaluation.
Please find further information on the Uni-Assist procedure here: